Afghan war enters 12th year

Comments

My son recently returned from a deployment in Afghanistan. He told me that he is
certain...as are all of the men he worked with...that once the US and others
have left, the Taliban and other groups will take over, and all the work that
has been done will make little difference. He said there will be better-trained
fighters to shoot and kill each other with better weapons than they had before.
It is hard to change the tribal mentality and customs of a country in our
attempt to help them learn how to just get along with each other. And it is very
discouraging for our troops who are there trying to help and train. My son
helped to fix up a school in the small village where he was stationed. The
majority of the people in that province are illiterate and easily led by groups
like the Taliban, who use intimidation and threats to gain power. The children
are excited to have the school, but I wonder how long it will remain open once
we leave.